San Pascual Stables, LLC, is the current operator, and its management is now looking for a long-term contract following the actions taken by council members.

Trailing at one point among five stables going through the initial interview process, San Pascual Stables ultimately rose to the top, unseating two early favorites, Paddock Riding Club and All Equestrian Services, to become the top pick. Others in the running included Dark Horse White Knight, Inc., and Double Crown, LLC.

The San Pascual Stables Subcommittee, established in February 2015, recommended the City Council enter into negotiations with San Pascual Stables, LLC to lease and operate the facility. A special ad hoc committee of the San Pascual Stables Subcommittee, consisting of Ron Rosen, Kay Findley, Robe Rose, consultant Ron Hagan and Community Services Director Sheila Pautsch, conducted interviews with the five interested firms before the ranking process began.

Their recommendation to the subcommittee earned the support of the City Council, which voted unanimously last week to enter into a new lease agreement with San Pascual Stables, LLC, headed by Corbell Partnership.

However, if a new lease cannot be reached with San Pascual Stables, LLC, city staff has been directed by the council to turn to the subcommittee’s No. 2 choice, Paddock Riding Club, to operate the facility.

“The subcommittees’ opinion is that San Pascual Stables, LLC, can build on their past successes and conduct a financially successful equestrian center that expands the equestrian opportunities to the community and improve their customer service, site security, and facility maintenance under the new terms of the city agreement,” Pautsch told the council.

Bill Glazier is a South Pasadenan and has been the primary news reporter & editor-in-chief for South Pasadena for over 23 years. His work with SouthPasadenan.com now reaches over 59,111 viewers in the South Pasadena, Highland Park, Pasadena, and surrounding communities monthly.